MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) hosted its annual President’s Honors gala on April 10, 2026, to a sold-out crowd, raising more than $1.3 million to support student scholarships. The milestone builds on last year’s record-setting $1.16 million and reflects the continued generosity and commitment of the MNU community to invest in students and their futures.
Held at the Cook Center on MNU’s campus, the event brought together sponsors, alumni, community leaders, and university partners for an evening celebrating philanthropy and the student transformation this generosity supports. President’s Honors, launched in 2012, has now generated more than $10.1 million in scholarship support through sponsorships, auction participation and donor gifts.
Highlights of the evening included a sumptuous dinner, live and silent auctions and the President’s Scholarship Challenge—all providing critical financial support for students. Guests also celebrated the presentation of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Drs. David and Donna Spittal, recognizing a lifetime of leadership in education and their devoted service to MNU as its fifth president and first lady.
Dr. Donna and Dr. David Spittal.
The evening also honored Dr. Chelsea Comadoll as the Barkman Endowed Professor of Chemistry at MNU. The endowed professorship is Brent and Lynette Barkman’s second such gift for the Department of Natural, Health and Mathematical Studies.
The success of the evening was made possible by the generosity of sponsors at every level, including presenting sponsors Brent and Lynette Barkman, Dr. Tim and Gail Buchanan, and Allen and Madeline Tollefson, as well as numerous corporate and community partners. These investments underscore a shared belief in MNU’s mission of scholarship, servant leadership and transformation.
MNU President Dr. Jon D. North expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“The generosity we witnessed at President’s Honors is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community rallies around students,” North said. “This support opens doors for countless students to pursue their calling at MNU. We are deeply grateful for every gift and every partner who made this impact possible.”
Funds raised during President’s Honors directly support student scholarships, helping make a Christ-centered education accessible and affordable while empowering graduates to live lives of purpose and service.
Next year’s President’s Honors will be held Friday, April 9, 2027. View photos of this year’s event on Flickr.
